Raman Garg

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

“A CA, CFA Level II, finance enthusiast, and national-level wrestler who values holistic well-being.”

Hometown: Chandigarh, Chandigarh (UT)

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’ve always envisioned my career in finance, but my journey into it began unexpectedly. In Class 11, I had to choose between engineering and commerce. Watching my elder brother rigorously prepare for engineering entrance exams filled me with dread—so I chose commerce instead. What started as a decision born out of fear turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as I discovered a deep passion for finance that continues to drive me every day.

Undergraduate School and Major: CFA institute (CFA level 2) and ICAI (Chartered Accountant)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: The Federal Bank, Senior Credit Analyst

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of IIM Bangalore’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? In the EPGP, the first two terms give a rigorous grounding across all major management disciplines, which I see as invaluable in building a well-rounded perspective. What really excites me, however, is the way the program evolves in the later terms—allowing us to choose from a wide array of electives and immerse ourselves in the streams that align most closely with our career aspirations.

The chance to learn from renowned faculty while tailoring my learning journey—whether in finance, strategy, analytics, or cross-functional combinations—was a decisive factor for me. This structure ensures that while we all share a common foundation, each of us can carve out a highly customized academic path, making the EPGP at IIM Bangalore both rigorous and uniquely personal.

What has been your favorite course or extracurricular activity at IIM Bangalore? What has been the most important lesson that you have learned from it?

IIM Bangalore is known for its excellent faculty, and I have often been fascinated by the stature and expertise many of them hold. Among the many enriching courses, my favorite has been Macroeconomics, taught by Professor Chetan Subramanian. As someone with a finance background, I had studied economics earlier as well, but the way he simplifies complex concepts and connects them seamlessly to real-world scenarios is remarkable. His classes have helped me see global macroeconomic developments through a far sharper lens.

Beyond academics, I have greatly enjoyed playing badminton and participating in several tournaments on campus. Competing regularly has taught me that progress comes from steady practice and resilience—each match, whether won or lost, adds a layer to your growth and sharpens your focus for the next challenge.

What makes Bengaluru such as great place to earn your MBA? Bengaluru is a city that thrives on innovation and new ideas. While pursuing an MBA here, carrying the IIMB tag makes it far easier to reach out to industry leaders—be it for interviews, mentorship, or guidance—and receive an encouraging response. The city offers a wealth of opportunities to learn and network, with its vibrant mix of IT companies, startups, and multinational corporations. This ecosystem makes it comparatively easy to work on live projects under the close guidance of senior executives.

Moreover, Bengaluru regularly hosts seminars, workshops, and industry events, both on and off campus, giving students unparalleled exposure to top-notch professionals and cutting-edge perspectives.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest career accomplishment came during my tenure with Federal Bank. After spending 3.5 years as a credit underwriter in the Regional Credit Hubs at Kochi and Delhi, I was offered an opportunity by the Credit Head to join the newly-established National Credit Hub at Indore as the sole on-site credit analyst. This role was a significant step up, as I had never handled such high-value loan proposals before—and being the only analyst at a new location added to the challenge.

Despite the initial learning curve, I leveraged continuous guidance from my teams in Delhi and Mumbai, quickly familiarized myself with complex cases, and began delivering results within a short span of time. My efforts were recognized and appreciated by both my team lead and the National Credit Head, making this experience a milestone in my professional journey.
Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: When I look back on my journey so far, what I value most is not a title or a formal role, but the opportunity to contribute in a way that feels truly meaningful to me.

In a batch where a large proportion of students come from engineering backgrounds and are newly exposed to finance, I have often found myself helping them understand concepts, clearing their doubts, or guiding them through last-minute revisions. Being able to support my classmates in this way has been immensely fulfilling, as it not only reinforces my own learning but also allows me to give back, in my own small way, to this diverse and inspiring community.

Looking back, I feel truly grateful that my knowledge and time could be of help to others, and I hope to continue learning and growing alongside them in the days to come.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? At IIM Bangalore, you almost don’t need to step outside the campus to unwind. The campus itself is beautiful and self-contained—surrounded by greenery, with lively spots like the night canteen and the sports complex. If I’m not in class, you’ll most likely find me at one of these places, enjoying a late-night walk, engaging in long conversations with friends, and, most importantly, sipping a cup of tea at the night canteen. Those quiet yet vibrant moments are when I feel most alive.

When we do decide to go out, our favorite hangout is usually Vega City Mall. We often head there to catch a movie—most commonly after midterms or end-terms, or sometimes simply to relax after a hectic week. It’s our way of taking a short breather together before diving back into the intense MBA schedule.

What do you hope to do after graduation? My experience in banking has given me a deep understanding of the pulse of Indian businesses. Over the years, I have interacted with entrepreneurs across diverse sectors, listened to their stories, and understood their challenges at a granular level. I hope to build on this foundation by working in consulting, where I can combine these insights with the problem-solving frameworks and strategic thinking I am honing during my MBA. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to link numbers with narratives—translating data into actionable solutions that help organizations address real-world challenges.

At the same time, my academic and professional journey—being a Chartered Accountant, a CFA Level II, and now an MBA student—has been deeply rooted in finance. This has also shaped my aspiration to explore roles in investment banking, where I can apply my technical and analytical expertise to complex transactions and financial strategies. Whether in consulting or in investment banking, my goal remains the same: make a meaningful impact by solving high-stakes business problems and creating lasting value.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into IIM Bangalore? Yes, getting into IIM Bangalore is undoubtedly challenging, as it is among the top business schools in the country and globally. However, admission is not determined by academic qualifications alone—it is also shaped by your relevant work experience, your aspirations, and the clarity of your goals.

The EPGP offers a unique opportunity to step away from your professional routine, return to student life, learn from an exceptional peer group, and sharpen your skills for the future. My advice would be simple: give a sincere and honest attempt. The journey is truly worth it.

DON’T MISS: MEET IIM BANGALORE’S EPGP CLASS OF 2026

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